Ashes 2025: Australia suffers BIG blow as another fast bowler along with Pat Cummins ruled out of series opener

Fast bowlers Josh Hazlewood and Sean Abbott were unable to play after lunch on Day 3 of the Sheffield Shield match between New South Wales and Victoria at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), raising further injury concerns for Australia in the lead-up to the Ashes. Hazlewood was cleared to begin preparations for the Ashes opener in Perth after both bowlers were sent for scans, while Abbott has been ruled out due to a moderate-grade hamstring injury.

According to cricbuzz, “Josh Hazlewood will join the Australian squad as planned in Perth Ashes Test,” a Cricket Australia media release confirmed on Wednesday (November 12). “Hazlewood left the field late in Victoria’s innings at the SCG today, reporting tightness in his right hamstring. He underwent precautionary scans which have cleared him of muscle strain. He will train as planned in the lead up to the first Test in Perth.

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“Sean Abbott also left the field having reported left hamstring soreness. Scans confirmed a moderate grade hamstring injury. He will not be available for selection for the first Test match in Perth and his return to play plan will be developed over the coming weeks.”

Given that regular captain and pace leader Pat Cummins has already been ruled out of next week’s Ashes opener in Perth, Australia is expected to exercise caution with Hazlewood in the coming days. With Spencer Johnson, Jhye Richardson, and Lance Morris also injured, Australia faces a concerning shortage of fast-bowling options.

Abbott is unlikely to feature in Perth, but any further injury setback could open the door for Brendan Doggett, a 31-year-old who has impressed this season with 13 Sheffield Shield wickets at an average of 14.69 since recovering from his own minor hamstring issue, to make his debut.

Meanwhile, on the sidelines of the Shield match, Pat Cummins continued his rehabilitation at the SCG, working toward full fitness in an effort to be available for the second Ashes Test, which will begins at the Gabba on December 4.